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In Town for Graduation? Book the Whole Family's Stay.
Your Graduation Weekend Headquarters on the Waterfront
Graduation season fills the Bay Area each spring, and the families who travel in for commencement know the secret: book early, and stay somewhere that makes the whole weekend easy. From UC Berkeley to Oakland and East Bay colleges, universities, and high schools, our two waterfront hotels put you within easy reach of campuses across the East Bay — with room for the whole family, free breakfast to start the big day, and parking at just $17 per night. Reserve early; graduation weekends fill up fast.
- Central to UC Berkeley and Oakland and East Bay campuses
- Rooms and connecting suites for the whole family
- Hotel parking: $17 per night
- Free breakfast before the ceremony
- Waterfront pool to celebrate after
- Book early — commencement weekends sell out
Executive Inn & Suites — Embarcadero Cove, Oakland
A waterfront Oakland hotel with 143 guest rooms including 19 suites — a comfortable, central base for the whole family during graduation weekend. Many rooms feature a private balcony or patio with water views. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, a waterfront pool and spa, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site dining at The Cove.
- Hotel parking just $17 per night
- Free breakfast before the ceremony
- Room and suites for visiting family
- Waterfront pool and spa to celebrate after
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- On-site dining — The Cove
Family in town for several nights? Save up to 25% with our Stay Longer, Save More rate the longer you stay (some blackouts apply) — ideal for graduation weekend.
Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel — Oakland
Just steps from Executive Inn & Suites on Oakland's Embarcadero, the Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel is another comfortable, highly rated option for graduation weekend. Enjoy a relaxing stay with breakfast included and parking at just $17 per night when you book direct.
- Hotel parking just $17 per night
- Free breakfast for registered guests
- Fitness center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- On-site dining — The Cove (Executive Inn & Suites)
- Level 2 EV charging stations
Save more as a Best Western Rewards member. Join Best Western Rewards for free and unlock member-only rates — typically around 10% off the standard nightly rate at Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel. Membership is free, takes a couple of minutes to set up, and the discount applies right at booking.
Celebrate Graduation in Oakland and the East Bay
Spring is commencement season across the Bay Area, and Oakland sits right in the middle of it. UC Berkeley's ceremonies are a short drive away, and campuses and high schools throughout Oakland and the East Bay hold their graduations within easy reach of our hotels. Bringing family in from out of town? Our waterfront location gives everyone a comfortable, central base — close to the ceremony, with plenty to do to celebrate afterward, from a waterfront dinner in Jack London Square to a stroll along the estuary.
- Minutes to Oakland and East Bay campuses; a short drive to UC Berkeley
- Comfortable rooms and suites for visiting family
- Free breakfast and $17 parking, every night of your stay
- Waterfront dining and celebrations nearby
Planning for a larger family group or several rooms? Stay multiple nights and save with our Stay Longer, Save More rate.
Getting Around for the Big Day
Both hotels sit on Oakland's Embarcadero Cove, a central, easy-to-reach base for graduations across Oakland and the East Bay. Book direct, park at the hotel for just $17 per night, and reach the ceremony with time to spare.
An Easy Base for Campus Visits
- Short drive to UC Berkeley and East Bay campuses
- Minutes from downtown Oakland and Lake Merritt
- Easy freeway access via I-880, plus BART nearby
Hotel Addresses
- Executive Inn & Suites — 1755 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
- Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel — 1717 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA
Make a Weekend of the Celebration
Once the tassels turn, Oakland is ready to celebrate. Jack London Square's waterfront restaurants are minutes away — perfect for a graduation dinner — and the Bay Trail along the estuary makes for a relaxing morning-after stroll. With family in town, it's an easy place to gather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should my family stay for a Bay Area graduation?
Executive Inn & Suites and Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel are two waterfront Oakland hotels on Embarcadero Cove, centrally located for graduations across Oakland and the East Bay, including a short drive to UC Berkeley. Both offer parking at just $17 per night and free breakfast when you book direct.
How early should I book for graduation weekend?
As early as possible. Graduation weekends are among the busiest of the year and rooms sell out well in advance, so reserve once you know your dates.
Do you have room for the whole family?
Yes — with 143 rooms including 19 suites at Executive Inn & Suites, plus the nearby Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel, there's space for visiting family. Ask about multiple rooms for larger groups.
Is there a discount for a longer stay?
Yes — our Stay Longer, Save More rate saves you up to 25% the longer you stay (some blackouts apply), which is ideal when family comes in for several nights.
How far is UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley is a short drive from both hotels, and the wider East Bay's campuses and high schools are all within easy reach.
Where can we celebrate after the ceremony?
Jack London Square's waterfront restaurants are minutes away and perfect for a graduation dinner, with a scenic Bay Trail stroll along the estuary nearby.
What's included with my stay?
Free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, a waterfront pool and spa, fitness center, and parking at just $17 per night when you book direct.
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